The Seal Press Women's Interest Blog

Seal Press Author Events in the Bay Area This Month!

2011-05-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Seal Press is thrilled to be hosting a few of our authors in the Bay Area this month for readings from their new titles. Come check them out if you get a chance!

HE SAID WHAT?

Funny, provocative, touching, and thrilling, He Said What? illustrates the powerful impact the right (or wrong) words can have on a person—and brilliantly captures the pivotal moments in which they spur a series of life-changing actions. Editor Victoria Zackheim and contributors will be visiting the Bay Area next week.

Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 PM
Kepler's, Menlo Park
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
http://www.keplers.com/event/victoria-zackheim-0

Thursday, May 19, 7:00 PM
Books Inc., Opera Plaza
601 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
http://www.booksinc.net/event/victoria-zackheim-opera-plaza

Friday, May 20, 7:00 PM
Great Good Place for Books, Oakland/Montclair Village
6120 La Salle Avenue
Oakland, CA

Saturday, May 21, 1:00 PM
Book Passage, Corte Madera
51 Tamal Vista Boulevard
Corte Madera, CA 94925-1145
http://www.bookpassage.com/event/victoria-zackheim-he-said-what-women-write-about-moments-when-everything-changed

UNDECIDED

Undecided: How to Ditch the Endless Quest for Perfect and Find the Career—and Life—That’s Right for You is an invaluable guide to understanding the career conundrums plaguing women today. Authors Barbara and Shannon Kelley present an eye-opening account of how women’s career choices have evolved and why it’s so overwhelming—and tell women what they can do about it.

Thursday, May 26, 2011 7:00 PM
Books Inc. in Mountain View
301 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041

LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT

The San Francisco group COLAGE is bringing Tina Fakhrid-Deen, author of Let’s Get This Straight: The Ultimate Handbook for Youth with LGBTQ Parents, to the bay area as part of their Voices Raised Leadership Summit! Come out and support this important event and important book. Comprehensive and compassionate, Let’s Get This Straight is a much-needed roadmap for children and parents looking to learn from, and embrace, their alternative family structure.

Friday, May 27th, 6pm
Laurel Bookstore
4100 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland

Sunday, May 29th, 3pm
Modern Times
New San Francisco Location TBA

Win a copy of He Said What? on Twitter!

2011-05-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

I love you. The meeting ran late. I want a divorce. One little word, one casual lie, one devastating announcement—and our lives are turned upside down forever.

In He Said What?: Women Write About Moments When Everything Changed, Victoria Zackheim gathers together twenty-five gifted women writers who share profoundly personal moments in which a man in their life said something—good or bad—that changed them irrevocably.

We've all experienced the powerful impact that the right (or wrong) words can have on our lives. From May 2 through May 6, Seal Press is giving away a copy a day of He Said What? to Twitter followers who use the hashtag #hesaidwhat to share their He Said What? moment.

Every morning during this 5-day giveaway, @SealPress will post a question on Twitter at 9am PST for followers to answer. We'll ask you to respond using #hesaidwhat, and as each day draws to a close we'll randomly pick a winner to receive a copy of the book.

Log on to Twitter, follow @SealPress, and share your moment--and win a book!

Women's History Month and Seal Events

2011-03-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

March is Women's History Month and the theme this year is Strength. To celebrate, we're excited to let you know about the events that our authors have scheduled this month. Each of these women exudes strength throughout their stories.

In Found, Jennifer Lauck displays great strength as she goes on a 10-year journey to find her birth mother.

Susie Bright displays strength throughout Big Sex Little Death, as she recounts the adventure, sacrifice, danger, and controversy of her often surprising and extraordinary life.

Spring Warren, author of The Quarter-Acre Farm, exhibits strength while taking charge of her family's food choices, by growing 75% of the food that they consumed for one year.

Join them in the Bay Area, Portland, Detroit/Ann Arbor, and NYC, as they celebrate the launch of their books this month:

Sunday, March 13th, 7pm
Jennifer Lauck reads from her memoir Found
Book Passage, Corte Madera
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925

Monday, March 14th, 7pm
Books Inc, Berkeley
Jennifer Lauck reads from her memoir Found
1760 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

Saturday, March 20th, 6-9pm
Party and Reading with Leopold's Books for Susie Bright as she celebrates the release of Big Sex Little Death. Bring a bottle and a dish to pass!
RSVP: (313) 822-4056
748 Seminole Street
Detroit, MI 48214

Monday, March 21st, 7pm
Lecture, Signing & Discussion with Susie Bright
Books provided by Common Language
University of Michigan
3187 Angell Hall
Ann Arbor, MI

Thursday, March 24th, 6-9:30pm
Susie Bright's Birthday Party and Launch Event with Modern Times
Smuggler's Cove Tiki Bar
Master Rum-o-Logist Martin Cate is making me an original cocktail for the occasion: "The Sexpert", of course!
650 Gough, at McAllister
San Francisco, CA 94102

Thursday, March 24th 6:30pm
Jennifer Lauck, author of Found, at Portland Back Fence PDX
Mission Theatre
1624 N.W. Glisan
Portland, OR 97209

Friday, March 25th, 7pm
Spring Warren, author of The Quarter-Acre Farm, reading
Books Inc, Berkeley
1760 Fourth St.,
Berkeley, CA 94710

Saturday, March 26th, 1pm
Spring Warren, author of The Quarter-Acre Farm, reading
Book Passage, San Francisco Ferry Building
1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, California 94111

Wednesday, March 30th, 7 pm
Reading, signing, memoir discussion with Susie Bright, author of Big Sex Little Death
Bluestockings Bookstore
172 Allen St.
New York, NY

Thursday, March 31rst, 7pm
A live, taped Audible episode as Doug Henwood interviews Susie Bright
Strand Bookstore
828 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

Celebrating International Women's Day

2011-03-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, a celebration of the achievements of women across the world that first began on March 8, 1911. As we celebrate today, though, let's remember that we still have much to do before we achieve economic parity, equal representation in government, and health and safety that is parallel to that of our male counterparts.

Last year Seal Press attended one of Women for Women International's "Join Me On the Bridge" events, where women across the world gathered on bridges simultaneously to demonstrate solidarity. We had worked closely with Women for Women International through our author, Lisa Shannon. Her book, A Thousand Sisters, describes the work she did sponsoring women in the Congo through Women for Women International. It is a compelling and uplifting story of international sisterhood.

Today, International Women's Day is being co-sponsored by Google, which has put together an excellent page of resources for attending bridge events--in person or virtually--or donating to a variety of agencies that work for women's equality and empowerment.

What are you doing today to celebrate International Women's Day? What do you hope women can accomplish in the future?

Share your thoughts, hopes, and wishes with us today and help us to celebrate how far we have come, and how far we will go in the future.

It's Time to Talk About It

2011-02-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

by Nicole Johns

Nicole Johns is the author of the powerful memoir Purge: Rehab Diaries, in which she reveals her experience during treatment for EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). For National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we asked Nicole to write a guest post about how to seek help for an eating disorder if you may be struggling silently:

It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 20-26) and this year’s theme is “It’s Time to Talk About It.” Eating disorders breed secrecy and shame, and this can be a huge barrier to asking for help, so I’m going to talk about some ways to ask for help. You might feel like you don’t deserve help or that you aren’t sick enough to need help. The truth is that everyone deserves help and recovery from an eating disorder, no matter how sick they are, what they weigh, or what clothing size they wear.

So, how do you ask for help? Start by talking to a friend, family member or anyone else who you trust. It will probably seem scary, but you will find that people will want to help you in any way they can. You can start the conversation by saying, “I would like to talk to you about something that I am struggling with,” or “I’m having a hard time with…” The person you confide in might ask how they can best help you, so you should think about what you need at this point. Do you need someone to talk to? Do you need help finding out if your insurance has mental health coverage? Take advantage of any offers of help and support that you receive; a good support system is always important, but it’s especially important during the recovery process.

Talking to friends, family and other supportive people in your life is a good way to start asking for help, but you should also think about looking for a therapist to help you work on overcoming your eating disorder. If you have health insurance with mental health coverage, you can call the benefits number on the back of your card and get the names of some therapists covered by your health insurance. If you’re a college student, you might have a counseling center where you can see a therapist for little or no cost. Depending on where you live, there might be community resources such as therapists that offer a sliding-scale fee, or organizations that offer free or reduced-rate counseling.

There are other options besides seeing a traditional therapist. Some people find it helpful to meet with a nutritionist, to do art therapy, bodywork, equine therapy or group therapy. Recovering from an eating disorder is different for everyone, and there are many different options for seeking help and working toward recovery. The most important thing is to find what is most helpful in your recovery. For me, individual therapy and writing about my eating disorder helped me the most, but a 12-step program and art therapy were key factors in helping one of my friends recover. Recovery is an individual process.

It’s Time to Talk About It. You can ask for help, and you deserve a life without an eating disorder. Asking for help is the first step in recovery, and by asking for help you are breaking through the secrecy and shame surrounding your eating disorder.

Nicole has been in recovery from Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) since 2005. Visit her at http://www.nicolejjohns.com/

When it Comes to Love this Valentine's Day, Start with Yourself!

2011-02-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and affection, and what is more true than the love you have for yourself?

Today, remember to give yourself some true love. Here are our suggestions for great books to get you started:

From sweet to kinky, rough to ladies-only, Nice Girls, Naughty Sex: 20 Erotic Tales, edited by Jordan LaRousse and Samantha Sade, creators of Oysters & Chocolate, tantalizes readers with erotica for every mood.

Fun and informative, Getting Off: A Woman's Guide to Masturbation, by Jamye Waxman, provides women with a wealth of masturbation knowledge plus clear, concise tips to connect with and find pleasure in their bodies.

In Dirty Girls: Erotica for Women, edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel, the country's best erotic writers explore their sexual psyches. With contributions from Carol Queen, Alison Tyler, Sofia Quintero, Shanna Germain, Lillian Ann Slugocki, Tsaurah Litzky, and many others, this collection will set your heart racing as you savor these intimate, shocking, and passionate female fantasies.

With candid and friendly sex tips; fitness, exercise, and lifestyle information; and women's erotic vignettes, Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk about Sex after Sixty, by Joan Price, is a warm, witty, and honest book that contends with the challenges and celebrates the delights of older-life sexuality. Stayed tuned for Joan's next book, Naked at our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex, which will be available this June.

"Dear John, I Love Jane" coming to a website near you!

2011-01-24T14:26:00.000-08:00

Come visit a vibrant, fun-loving group of bloggers as they review, discuss, and host interviews with the editors of Dear John, I Love Jane: Women Write about Leaving Men for Women.

Dear John, I Love Jane is a timely, fiercely candid exploration of female sexuality and personal choice. From January 24th through the beginning of February, Dear John, I Love Jane will be traveling the internet on a blog tour. Visit any of the following websites on the specific day to read interviews with the editors, guest blog posts, and reviews of the book. Share your thoughts and comments and feel free to visit Dear John, I Love Jane on Facebook to learn about upcoming readings.

Start the tour today, Monday, January 24 at Slummy Single Mommy.

Joan Price offers a woman-over-50 perspective Tuesday, January 25 at Better Than I Ever Expected.

Visit the Sustaining Mothering on Wednesday, January 26.

Thursday, January 27 the editors will be contributing a guest post to Writing is my Drink.

Enjoy the review at Sugarbutch Chronicles on Friday, January 28.

Monday, January 31 visit Jennifer Margulis.

Tuesday, February 1 you can check out a post by Sierra Black.

There will be an interview at Kim Writes on Wednesday, February 2.

André and Walsh will be talking about co-parenting at the YourTango LoveMom blog February 3.

More dates to be added.

Join Seal Senior Editor Brooke Warner for a live webinar (sponsored by She Writes) on Weds Dec 8 (10am PT/1pm ET)

2010-12-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

THE WEBINAR: "EVERYTHING YOU WANT AND NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING YOUR NONFICTION BOOK PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S PUBLISHING CLIMATE"

Weds Dec 8 10am-11am PT | 1pm-2pm ET, via web and call-in
Hosted by Deborah Siegel

Watch the YouTube promo.

NWSA 2010

2010-11-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Seal Press had a great time at NWSA 2010. We had a wonderful group signing with Courtney E. Martin, editor of Click, Shira Tarrant, author of Men and Feminism, Amber Kinser, author of Motherhood and Feminism, and Elline Lipkin, author of Girls' Studies. We also had a reception and signing with Jennifer L. Pozner, author of Reality Bites Back.

We were also lucky enough to meet some fabulous contributors including Susan Lopez, contributor to Yes Means Yes, Siobhan Brooks contributor to Colonize This! who was promoting her new book Unequal Desires. One row over from our booth was Soapbox Inc featuring Jennifer Baumgardner, contributor to Click and Dear John, I Love Jane.

We were able to interview a few authors so please enjoy this recap featuring Jennifer Pozner, Amber Kinser, Elline Lipkin and Susan Lopez. Feel free to share your favorite NWSA panels and events. We look forward to seeing you next year!

DIY Activism Worldwide

2010-10-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

Nicholas Kristof wrote a beautiful piece in Wednesday's New York Times—"D.I.Y. Foreign-Aid Revolution"—about women who have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place, especially for other women. One woman he focused on is Lisa Shannon, author of A Thousand Sisters, who has been working tirelessly since 2005 to help improve the lives of Congolese women.

Read the story, and get inspired!

Michael Kimmel Speaks Out on the Yale Fraternity Incident

2010-10-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Michael Kimmel, a well-known masculinity scholar and author of the upcoming Seal Press book, FeMENism: A Guys Guide (Fall 2011) has written an editorial for the Ms. Magazine blog discussing the outcry over a group of Yale fraternity members who shouted disgusting and sexually explicit obscenities against women while marching through campus earlier this month. The students were pledges of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

We are very proud of his response. It's well worth the read, and can be viewed here.

Feministing also posted about the story, and Kimmel's piece, here.

Broad Recognition, a feminist publication written by Yale students, published a link to a petition urging Yale President Richard C. Levin to speak up and publicly denounce the actions of these students. To learn more, visit their website.

Join Us for a 'Beautiful You' Blog Tour

2010-10-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

October is the official publication month for Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance by Rosie Molinary. Drawing on self-awareness, creativity, and mind-body connections Beautiful You incorporates practical techniques into a 365-day action plan that empowers women to regain a healthy self-image, shore up self-confidence, break undermining habits of self-criticism, and champion their own emotional and physical wellbeing.

To celebrate the release of this incredibly important book, we've organized a Beautiful You blog tour from October 11th to October 25th and we hope you join us on the journey:

Family Rooted in Love kicked off the tour yesterday with an inspirational post on October 11th.

Today, October 12th, join Amaretto Girl for a review, Q&A, and giveaway!

On October 13th, head to Imperfect Spirituality for a two-part Q&A. Part one is posted, here.

Also, on the 13th, head to Marjolein's Book Blog for a Q&A and giveaway!

Head to Thighs and Offerings on the 14th for a review and Q&A. Also see an introduction to Rosie and the blog tour, here.

Dara Chadwick, author of You'd Be So Pretty If, will host the tour on the 15th.

On the 16th, Molly on the Run, will post an interview with Rosie.

The Shared Table will post an excerpt on the 17th, about stepping outside your comfort zone.

Head to I Have a Backbone on the 18th!

On the 19th, check out a review on Fiona's blog at Rachel Simmons.com.

Melissa Hart, author of Gringa: A Contradictory Childhood, will review at Butt to Chair on the 20th.

Head to Viva La Feminista on the 21rst!

Eat Without Guilt will host the tour on the 22nd.

On the 23rd, stop by Body, Love, Wellness.

Fighting Windmills will be our Beautiful You stop on the 24th!

Our final stop on the tour with be with Fancy Pantalons, on the 25th.

We hope you enjoy the tour and look forward to hearing from you at these blogs and beyond.

Gender Outlaws Blog Tour 9/27 - 10/8

2010-09-29T09:32:00.001-07:00

Seal Press is sending Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation on a blog tour! For ten days reviews will be popping up on a variety of feminist/trans/genderqueer sites. We'll be updating the blog as the posts appear. Check out the reviews that were posted on Monday and Tuesday and visit Riot Nrrds Comics for a webcomic review today.

Follow the tour here:

• Monday, September 27th - Everett Maroon posts "The Next Genderation" on I Fry Mine in Butter

• Tuesday, September 28th - Rose Spotts reviews on Twisted Peppermint

• Wednesday, September 29th - R. J. Doughty's Webcomic Review on Riot Nrrd Comics.

• Thursday, September 30th - Jamie Ann Royce posts on Stuff Queer People Should Know

• Friday, October 1st – Hannah Royce posts on Walking the Labrynth

• Monday, October 4th – Zane McHattie posts on ED Recovery

• Tuesday, October 5th – Nome posts on That’s What Ze Said

• Wednesday, October 6th – Jac Stringer posts on Midwest GenderQueer

• Thursday, October 7th – Bevin Branlandingham posts on Queer Fat Femme

• Friday, October 8th – Sinclair Sexsmith ends the tour on Sugarbutch Chronicles

Feel free to join the gender conversation!

Seal Press Books—Now Available on the iPad!

2010-09-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

Good news for our Apple-happy technophile readers: 36 new and classic Seal Press titles are now available for the iPad via the Apple iBookstore.

All 36 available titles are listed below for quick reference. There are still some kinks—we think it’s pretty funny that the Daphne Gottlieb-inspired anthology Fucking Daphne is listed under Health & Fitness, for example—but it’s a start!

Now available:
Addicted Like Me
Affection
Better Than I Ever Expected
Book by Book
Fucking Daphne
Full Frontal Feminism
He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know
Hellions
How to Cook a Dragon
Girldrive
Girls' Studies
Gringa
Invisible Girls
Just Don't Call Me Ma'am
Laid
Lesbian Couples
The List
Living Canvas
Marie's Home Improvement Guide
Marrying George Clooney
Navigating the Land of If
The Noncyclist's Guide to the Century and Other Road Races
The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women
Open
P.S.
Purge
The Purity Myth
She-Smoke
Tales from the Expat Harem
Tango
A Thousand Sisters
Travel Therapy
Two Is Enough
When the Piano Stops
Women of Color and Feminism
Yes Means Yes

If there’s a Seal book you don’t see on the list that you’d like to have in ebook form, we’d love to know. And for those of us who still enjoy the printed word in its printed form, we assure you that Seal books continue to be available in local bookstores everywhere.

Happy reading!

Lisa Shannon Makes Oprah's 2010 O Power List

2010-09-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

A Thousand Sisters author Lisa Shannon is one of only twenty women to make Oprah's 2010 O Power List - an homage to the women who "blew us away this year" - in which she is profiled alongside Julia Roberts, Diane Sawyer, and various other amazing women.

Shannon's tireless efforts to help the women of Congo are highlighted in her O Power List profile: "Shannon went from bystander to activist, forging intimate friendships in the Democratic Republic of Congo and using her passion, her empathy, and her dedication to forever change the lives of scores of women [. . .]"

Visit Oprah.com to read more about Lisa Shannon, and to see who else made this year's list!

Gloria Feldt introduces "No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think about Power"

2010-09-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Feminist icon Gloria Feldt gives women the tools to lead an unlimited life in her new book No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think about Power. Check out her inspirational and informative video below and pre-order a copy before the October release date.

Mistakes Families Make When Dealing With Addiction

2010-09-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

To help bring attention to National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Seal authors Karen Franklin and Lauren King have written the following article. Franklin and King are the authors of Addicted Like Me: A Mother-Daughter Story of Substance Abuse and Recovery, a personal account of addiction and how it affects the entire family. Both have struggled with addiction, and now work to help others in the recovery process. Their website is http://www.addictedlikeme.com.

The Top Five Mistakes Families Make When Dealing With Addiction

Dealing with a loved one’s growing addiction can be one of the most challenging and stress filled issues we will ever deal with. When addiction enters our homes, it can feel as if an illusive enemy has taken over our family bringing chaos and destruction. Denial, confusion, anger, fear and shame begin to overwhelm us and we naturally react by trying to get control of the situation. The thing that hurts family members most of all in this situation is the lack of knowledge that addiction is a disease that cannot be controlled. Here is a list of some of the top mistakes we can make with our addicted loved ones.

1. Bailing them out
The nature of addiction will eventually lead to troubles for the addict. In most cases our desperate loved ones will turn on the manipulation to try and get us to “fix” the problem. This is when we need to practice a loving detachment and allow them to experience the pain of their consequences. Most addicts are in deep denial that they have a problem that is affecting their lives. They will never accept help if we make it easy for them. It will be impossible for them to face the truth until they begin to feel some of the repercussions of their own bad decisions.

2. Trying to control their behavior
When we try to control addictive behavior it generally ends up with our own frustration and disappointment. Addiction is a disease that manifests itself through the addict’s words and actions. When my daughter was out of control, I fought with everything in me to try to get her to change. Sadly, it never accomplished anything. What worked is when I sought the help of addiction professionals for her illness. Once the disease of addiction was treated, changes in her behavior for the better swiftly followed. The best thing we can do for our loved ones is to empower them to enter treatment and seek assistance in changing their own lives.

3. Giving them more chances
Many times when a loved one is abusing drugs they become willing to protect their secret at any cost. This includes telling family members what they want to hear. Most addicts will promise they will change with a convincing sincerity but we must remember that they are in the grips of a disease that will ultimately drive their behavior. Those that are further along in their drug abuse may be incapable of keeping promises or adhering to any agreements you make. Though you want to respect your loved one’s independence and privacy, it should never be at the price of his or her health or safety.

4. Waiting for the bottom to fall out
The problem with waiting for every addict to hit rock bottom is some will die, get arrested, or suffer great, irreversible harm before they get there. All addicts have their own bottom when they decide enough is enough. Get help for yourself and connect with professionals that can guide you to help raise the addict’s bottom.

5. Wasting a good crisis
There may be one, and only one, opportunity to approach the sick person and convince them to enter treatment. Don't blow that chance. Act before drastic measures are needed and dire consequences appear. A crisis event can be an opportunity for some families to confront the addict. Facing real consequences can wake some addicts up. Any intervention, either formal or informal, is an attempt to convince an addict that they are at their bottom, and it is time to make a change. The goal is to get the addict to the place that they stop fighting for their addiction and are willing to give recovery a chance.

Some 22 million people in this country are addicted to drugs or alcohol and it can happen to anyone. Families need to understand that ignoring signs or blaming it on others is not going to help your loved one. You need to seek help so it doesn't escalate to a much worse problem. Families in denial are not helping the addict, they are actually harming them. What’s important to remember is that when you learn your loved one has used drugs or alcohol, take it seriously. There isn't any shame in having a family member that is struggling, there is only shame if you don't reach out and seek help.

Giveaway to Reach 1,000 Fans on Facebook

2010-08-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Seal's fan base on Facebook is growing daily and we'd love to reach 1,000 fans. Head over to our page and "like" us and if you're the 1,000th fan, you'll win a book of your choice from SealPress.com and we'll donate $10, in your name, to Women for Women International.

We look forward to seeing you on our fan page and good luck!

Lisa Shannon on ABC World News

2010-07-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Last night, activist and A Thousand Sisters author Lisa Shannon was profiled on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. Lisa tells how she got involved with Congo, and she talks about her sisters there and why it's so important to help them. Go to ABCNews.com to watch the video and read the story!

For Your Viewing Pleasure: New Video for The Choice Effect

2010-06-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Are you a Choister? Do you even know what a Choister is? We just posted a great new video on our Seal Shorts channel on YouTube--featuring The Choice Effect coauthor Claire William--to help you figure it out. Check it out!

The Choice Effect Launch and Giveaway

2010-06-09T10:25:00.001-07:00

Love choices but hate choosing? Welcome to the club! Make sure to catch Amalia McGibbon, Lara Vogel, and Claire A. Williams, authors of The Choice Effect: Love and Commitment in an Age of Too Many Options, during their publicity blitz this week.

In order to celebrate the launch of their book, the authors of The Choice Effect are holding a huge contest and giveaway, with your choice of a prize package worth $500, you don't want to miss it. Go here for the details.

Check out The Choice Effect in Newsweek's weekend story 'I Don't' The Case Against Marriage.

Also, head over to AOL and check out a great interview with Amalia on AOL's Lemondrop.

Head to NY Times Bestselling Author Tim Ferriss’ blog The 4 Hour Work Week for Claire's explanation of how the choice effect effects your relationships.

On Rantings of a Single Girl Lara's discusses "Why Dating and Breaking Up Lots is Awesome. No Really." Remember to check back in tomorrow for Single Girl's review and book giveaway of The Choice Effect.

Head over to BelleRenee for Lara's guest post called Choices and Why Adults Don't Get Summer Vacation.

Learn more about the authors and The Choice Effect at Seal Press or on

Facebook.

The Seal Press Women's Perspectives Newsletter: Coming Soon to an Inbox Near You

2010-06-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

It's June, and we here at Seal Press can finally celebrate a great Spring 2010 list of books that's now available to the world. Seal's newest books cover a wide range of topics, from ditching the South and overcoming gambling addiction to ditching our hangups about porn and sounding a call to action for women in the Congo.

The best place to find out about our new titles (and some that you may have missed)? Our Seal Press Women's Perspectives newsletter. Newsletter readers get the latest on new books, readings, and other book-related events, delivered straight to their electronic doorstep four times a year. To sign up, visit our newsletter sign-up page and select the Seal Press Women's Perspectives option. If you're in the academic world or simply staying current in the Women's and Gender Studies fields, you might be interested in our Seal Press Women's Studies newsletter, too.

The next Women's Perspectives newsletter installment comes out next week, so now's the time to sign up! Here's to a long summer filled with great and varied reads.

A Thousand Sisters for Mother's Day

2010-04-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

These last few days I've had the honor of accompanying Lisa Shannon, author of A Thousand Sisters, to her events in the Bay Area. After listening to her discuss the war in the Congo, share the stories of survivors, and advise people on what they can do to make a difference, one thing remains clear: sponsorship offers the women of the Congo a human connection that helps them to feel like people again.

The simple knowledge that another person thinks about them, despite the distance, is a source of empowerment and encouragement for these women, helping them regain their dignity. And in return, the act of giving has helped sponsors all over the world to view the women in Congo, not as survivors of another world's war, but as their own sisters and mothers.

One of the strongest themes of A Thousand Sisters is the power of the human connection people share between and across cultures. Lisa wrote this book as if she were writing to her best friend; every word resonates with her passion, and exudes her hope for change along with her infinite love for the women of Congo.

A Thousand Sisters is about a family of women, connecting to each other across a huge cultural divide of class, of race, and of war. Lisa's words are the embodiment of a system of women helping women, of mothers helping mothers. This Mother's Day I think we should all consider giving this memoir, and making a donation to Women for Women International. Be a part of humanity's family of women by acknowledging the courageousness of our sisters of war, and thanking the mothers of Congo along with our own mothers and grandmothers this Mother's Day.

To learn more about becoming a sponsor and purchasing a copy of Lisa's memoir, please visit Women for Women International and Seal Press.

Celebrate Mother's Day with Book by Book

2010-04-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Mother's Day by joining Cindy Hudson, author of Book By Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs, as she embarks on a month long blog tour organized by WOW! Women on Writing. For the next four weeks, you'll find Hudson on a new blog everyday, as she discusses mother-daughter book clubs and her life as a writer. Find her schedule below, complete with contests to win your very own copy of Book By Book.

Book By Book Blog Tour Dates:

Monday, April 19, 2010
Hudson will be chatting with WOW! Women On Writing at The Muffin. Stop by and share your comments for a chance to win a copy of Book By Book.

Tuesday April 20, 2010
Join her as she shares her thoughts on using passion to fuel writing at A Book Blogger's Diary for another chance to win a copy of Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs.

Wednesday April 21, 2010
Thinking of starting your own book club but don't know where to begin? Get Hudson's advice, and her recommendation of Ten Book Club Favorites at Ramblings of a Texas Housewife.

Thursday April 22, 2010
Follow up for Ramblings of a Texas Housewife's review and giveaway of Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs.

Friday April 23, 2010
Stop by Selling Books for questions and answers with Hudson.

Monday April 26, 2010
She visits Margot Dill’s Read These Books and Use Them for an interview. Check it out for the chance to win your own copy of Book by Book!

Tuesday April 27, 2010
Hudson talks about how Good Readers Make Good Writers at Hell or High Water Writer.

Wednesday April 28, 2010
Stop by Mom-e-Centric to find out how she makes time for herself during her busy life and how other moms can too!

Thursday April 29, 2010
Don't miss her interview at Finders & Keepers.

Friday April 30, 2010
Hudson gives helpful advice on Connecting with Readers Through Book Clubs art The Urban Muse.

Monday May 3, 2010
Read her essay, Identify Your Passions to Sustain Your Writing at Whole Latte Life, for another chance to win a copy of Book by Book.

Tuesday May 4, 2010
Visit Meryl Not's Blog for Hudson's essay on Interviewing Experts and another contest to win Book By Book.

Wednesday May 5, 2010
Stop by 5 Minutes For Books for a review of Forming a Mother-Daughter Book Club, and a chance to win Cindy Hudson's book Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs.

Friday May 7, 2010
Hudson discusses Family Volunteering at Crazed Mind.

Monday May 10, 2010
Catch her educational interview about writing at Writer's Roundabout, and don't miss your chance to win a copy of Book By Book!

Tuesday May 11, 2010
Read her essay on How One Book Has Affected My Life at Write for a Reader.

Wednesday May 12, 2010 / Thursday May 13, 2010
Visit Helping Moms Connect for a book review and Hudson's thoughts on How Talking About Books Can Help You Connect with Your Daughters.

Friday May 14, 2010
Check out a review of Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs and your last chance to win a copy at Words by Webb.

Yes Means Yes a Publishers Weekly Best of 2009 Pick

2010-04-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Yes Means Yes, a Publishers Weekly pick for Best Books of 2009, was well received for its radical perspective and revolutionary aim to educate and alter the ways women and men perceive sex, rape, and each other. Now, "Toward a Performance Model of Sex," a Yes Means Yes essay written by Thomas MacAulay, is selected to appear in a new collection edited by our very own Dirty Girls author, Rachel Kramer Bussel. Her new anthology Best Sex Writing 2010, out now from Cleis Press, includes MacAulay's essay which emphasizes the notion of sex as an act of performance and collaboration, rather than an exchange of commodity and entitlement. For more information or to learn more about upcoming book events, visit the Best Sex Writing 2010 blog.

The Future of Feminist Publishing panel that wasn't

2010-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

I flew to Denver this weekend to attend AWP. I was supposed to be sitting on a panel called The Future of Feminism, which Amy Scholder at The Feminist Press had organized quite some time ago.

We got the very last time slot of the conference: 4.30 on Saturday afternoon. I was prepared for a not-so-good turnout, but I’ve been to enough conferences to know that sometimes the biggest impact is made on the smallest groups.

When I showed up to my panel, this was the sign I saw on the door.

At first I thought the conference had canceled the panel on our behalf, and I couldn’t understand why. As it turned out, Amy had a family emergency and was unable to attend, and the remaining panelists decided to cancel the panel because there were so few of us. Needless to say, I was as disappointed as many of the women who were hoping to attend.

One group of students from Western Washington University turned to me, and recognizing my name on my badge, asked if I would do a talk without my panel. I wish I had said yes. One of them said, “We thought it was so cool that this was going to be our last panel of the day. We were going to go out with a bang!”

Later that evening, at a meet up hosted by SheWrites, Lucy Bledsoe, a beloved Seal author who has a new novel out, asked me what happened. It was kind of ironic, she said. What does that say about the future of feminist publishing? And I had been thinking the same thing as I sulked back to my hotel room.

And because I wish I’d had the wherewithal to tear down that sign and just do a talk about feminist publishing, or about women and publishing at the bare minimum, I’ve composed a few thoughts that I might have highlighted had the panel happened:

1. We still have a presence.
The fact that presses like Seal and The Feminist Press, as well as Aunt Lute and Cleis and Belladonna and Firebrand, and many others (please comment and list yourselves!) are still out there publishing with a feminist mission is extraordinary. I meet with women all the time who think that feminism died with the second wave. They are thrilled to know that the younger generation is carrying forth messages about women’s equality, and that we don’t just sit idly by and think that all of the disparities have ceased to exist. There’s room for new feminist voices, and there’s a thriving online community of bloggers and activists (too abundant to list here) who are doing amazing work in the name of feminism. And lots of them are getting published.

2. There’s more than one kind of feminism.
Seal is increasingly publishing “mainstream” feminism, for which we’ve been criticized by some and commended by others. Whatever your feelings are about mainstream feminist writers, the good news is this: they reach a wider audience. We’re expected to bring in books that can sell---that’s the nature of the book business, even though lots of books don’t. So for us to be able to say that we have feminist books that sell well is, to me, a huge win. Notably is Jessica Valenti’s Full Frontal Feminism, but there are many others. Some Seal books are overtly feminist in scope, while others simply have a feminist or pro-woman sensibility to them. That is critical to who we are, and it won’t change for as long as Seal continues to be around. I would have loved to hear what some of my fellow editors have to say about mainstream feminism and/or popular or celebrity feminism. And I want to note, in the interest of talking about a mainstream book that Seal has coming up in 2011, that we are publishing our first ever male authors*, Michael Kimmel and Michael Kaufman, who are writing a mainstream book that tackles feminism for men---and it’s actually targeted toward men (and not only their girlfriends, sisters, wives, and moms).
*It’s important to qualify here that Seal has published men in our anthologies, and we have two memoirs by trans men.

3. Women are keeping publishing real.
When it comes to accolades and honors it unfortunately seems to be the case that men are still getting more attention in the publishing industry than women. But I see women pushing the envelope. Women are bringing things that matter to their writing. Women are keeping it real. Sure, not all women are feminists, or they are and they don’t know it. This very complex issue of women and their feminisms was tacked in the Seal book Girldrive, by Nona Willis Aronowitz and Emma Bee Bernstein. In my ideal world, every woman would call herself a feminist, but what I realize more and more is that all we really need to do is acknowledge that we care about the same things and that we are stronger than our differences. Feminism can be a torturously divided movement, and I hesitate to even call it that, though I’ll leave it for lack of a better word. If I were going to leave our would-have-been audience on one note, it would have to do with coming together. I don’t think the goal of feminism was ever for women to be more divided, but it can sometimes feel like that. At Seal, and I imagine this is true for my other feminist press colleagues as well, part of what we look for in our manuscripts is inclusiveness, a pro-woman sentiment, bridging the divides, educating our audience, and owning a uniquely female perspective on whatever the topic is---be it motherhood, social issues, organizing your life, or breaking out of your career rut.

So that's what happened. Because there are so many charged issues that come up around feminism, and because feminist publishing and feminist bookstores have been so obliterated over the past three decades, I thought Lucy's noting that it was indeed ironic that the panel was canceled couldn't have been more true. So I apologize to those of you who wanted to be there.

Thanks for reading.

Brooke

"Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, passes"

2010-04-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Wilma Mankiller passed away today and our thoughts and hearts are with her family. She was an incredible woman and we are thankful for all she did in life.

Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, said today: "We feel overwhelmed and lost when we realize she has left us but we should reflect on what legacy she leaves us. We are better people and a stronger tribal nation because her example of Cherokee leadership, statesmanship, humility, grace, determination and decisiveness. When we become disheartened, we will be inspired by remembering how Wilma proceeded undaunted through so many trials and tribulations. Years ago, she and her husband Charlie Soap showed the world what Cherokee people can do when given the chance, when they organized the self-help water line in the Bell community. She said Cherokees in that community learned that it was their choice, their lives, their community and their future. Her gift to us is the lesson that our lives and future are for us to decide. We can carry on that Cherokee legacy by teaching our children that lesson. Please keep Wilma’s family, especially her husband Charlie and her daughters, Gina and Felicia, in your prayers."

For the full news release, click here.

Check out these links for our Spring 2010 Titles:

2010-03-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Do you want your wedding to be just like you: unique, innovative, or even maybe a little offbeat? Look for advice and ideas in Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives for Innovative Brides, written by Ariel Meadow Stallings, and become a fan on Facebook.

What was your most influencial life moment? Lisa Shannon was inspired by an episode of Oprah that changed her life. Read about her experiences and efforts to raise funds and awareness for Congolese women in A Thousand Sisters; My Journey Of Hope Into The Worst Place On Earth To Be A Woman.

For a hilarious and candidly honest story about leaving the South for big dreams in the big city, check out Anna Mitchael and her memoir Just Don't Call Me Ma'am: How I Ditched The South, Forgot My Manners, And Managed To Survive My Twenties With (Most Of) My Dignity Still Intact.

Learn how to find your political voice in Amanda Marcotte's Get Opinionated:The Progressive's Guide to Finding Your Voice (and Taking a Little Action). Find Amanda at her blog for more information.

Just because you're over fifty, doesn't mean you're over sex. Check out Free Fall: A Late-In-Life Love Affair, by Rae Padilla Francoeur.

Do you remember the thrill of riding your first horse, or simply the dream of owning one? Why We Ride; Women Writers on the Horses in Their Lives, edited by Verna Dreisbach, offers a reflective view on the special bonds women share with their horses.

A hard-hitting confession of the journey to the bottom and back up, She Bets Her Life, by Mary Sojourner offers an honest story of gambling addiction and recovery to which women everywhere can relate.

Motherhood and Feminism, by Amber E. Kinser, examines the role of feminism within motherhood and offers insight into the core questions of motherhood: what it means to be a good mother, what role mothers play in the family and in society, and how motherhood has been redefined throughout time.

What was your "click" moment? Visit J. Courtney Sullivan and Courtney E. Martin, editors of Click: When We Knew We Were Feminists.

Still think you can't be a feminist and like porn too? Check out Good Porn: A Woman's Guide, by Erika Lust and learn about the educational and erotic value of porn for women.

Get some professional relationship advice with Sexual Intimacy for Women; A Guide for Same-Sex Couples. Glenda Corwin,PhD.,helps female couples examine the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of same-sex partnerships.

Are you a twenty or thirty-something who loves choices, but hates having to choose? Take a look at The Choice Effect: Love and Commitment in an Age of Too Many Options, by Amalia McGibbon, Lara Vogel, and Claire Williams.

You can also become a fan on Facebook.

Gain insight into borderline personality disorder from a self-proclaimed "psycho-girlfriend" with Merri Lisa Johnson's Girl In Need Of A Tourniquet: Memoir of a Borderline Personality.

New Video from Girldrive author Nona Willis Aronowitz!

2010-03-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Girldrive author Nona Willis Aronowitz was here in the Bay Area last week, and she (and a couple of us from here at Seal Press) spent an afternoon on Telegraph Avenue doing some free word association--with a feminist slant, of course--with a few of Berkeley's denizens. This video is the result . . . enjoy!

Celebrate International Women's Day

2010-03-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Today, March 8th 2010, women worldwide will unite to literally bridge the gap between their countries and demand the peace they deserve. In honor of International Women’s Day, author of A Thousand Sisters, Lisa Shannon, will be joining the women of Rwanda and Congo as they meet on a bridge between their two countries to call for an end to the war and to demonstrate that women can build bridges to peace and development.

In support of Women for Women International’s global campaign called, “Join me on the Bridge,” women and men of Seal Press, Avalon Travel, and Publishers Group West will be marching to the City of Berkeley’s Eastshore Pedestrian Bridge at 12:00 p.m. They will stand in unity with thousands of women worldwide honoring the resilience of millions of women around the world who are survivors of war.

Please join us in our support of all women as we demand peace in every nation. By joining this campaign you will be standing alongside women in the Congo, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Sudan, and Nigeria in saying no to war, and yes to peace and hope.

Learn more about Lisa Shannon and A Thousand Sisters here at: A Thousand Sisters

Gambling Addiction Resources and Answers from She Bets Her Life

2010-02-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Do you think you might have a gambling addiction…or do you fear that someone close to you might have one? Visit the new website for She Bets Her Life, Mary Sojourner’s hard-hitting confessional memoir about her journey to the bottom and back up again as a gambling addict. Once you’re on the site, check out the Q&A section, where Sojourner offers firsthand advice for people whose lives are being negatively affected by gambling. And, if you have questions of your own for her, you can email her at shebetsherlife@gmail.com; your (anonymous) question—and her answer—will appear on the site, not only providing you with the feedback you’re looking for, but also giving others in your situation the opportunity to benefit from the information.

In addition to the She Bets Her Life website, visit its page on Facebook for updates from Sojourner and the Seal Press team, as well as links to current articles and information relevant to gambling addiction.

Yes Means Yes listed on the 2010 Amelia Bloomer List!

2010-01-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

We received some exciting news today! The members of the Amelia Bloomer Project are pleased to announce that Yes Means Yes!: Visions of Female Sexual Power & A World Without Rape is a part of the 2010 Amelia Bloomer List. The members found this work to be an exemplary title.

Congratulations to Jaclyn Friedman, Jessica Valenti, and all the contributors!

For more information about the Amelia Bloomer Project, please visit their blog.

Laura S. Scott, author of Two is Enough, on Today show

2010-01-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning Laura S. Scott, author of Two is Enough: A Couple's Guide to Living Childless by Choice, will be on the Today show discussing how, and why couples across the country are choosing not to have children. Thought-provoking and informative, Laura S. Scott tackles the ins and outs of the motivations and reasoning behind a couple's choice to have children in her book Two is Enough. Tune in to NBC to see her talking about this intriguing subject, and check out her blog at The Childless by Choice Project.

Our complicated relationships...with food

2010-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, the New York Times published a piece called Narrowing an Eating Disorder, by author Abby Ellin, of Teenage Waistland: A Former Fat Kid Weighs In on Living Large, Losing Weight and How Parents Can (and Can’t) Help (PublicAffairs). The article sheds light on "the nation's most common eating disorder[:]" Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, which has become a type of catch all for eating disordered behavior that doesn't fit neatly into the diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia. Many with EDNOS, as it's known, appear to be a healthy weight, which can cause people/ doctors/ insurance companies to claim that they aren't sick enough for treatment or help. But sadly, "[a] study in the Oct. 15 issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry reported that the mortality rate associated with Ednos exceeded that for anorexia nervosa and bulimia."

Nicole Johns, author of Purge: Rehab Diaries, published last spring, is a young woman who braved telling her own story of being diagnosed with EDNOS and subsequently going into an in-patient treatment facility for help. Johns has received a tremendous amount of praise for her memoir and her book continues to do well, perhaps because so many people are able to identify with her story and the diagnosis, which is finally being realized, taken seriously, and discussed in public.

I wanted to bring both the NY Times article and Nicole's memoir to light today, because when checking out two popular MTV shows this past week, I watched two beautiful young women, Snooki on Jersey Shore, then Callie on the Real World DC, describe their struggles with unhealthy body image and their pasts which included and may still include unhealthy/ eating disordered behavior. It's the prevalence of it that is so shocking and the fact that their stories are sadly so similar to so many. Hopefully the dialogue continues.

For more information, resources, and support if you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, head to the National Eating Disorders Association.

Jessica Valenti, author of The Purity Myth, on The New Virginity on VH1

2010-01-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Tune into VH1 this Thursday, January 14th at 11pm to see Jessica Valenti, author of The Purity Myth, Full Frontal Feminism, He's a Stud, She's a Slut, founder and editor of Feministing.com, and all around fun fabulous feminist. Valenti will be one of the talking heads on The New Virginity, a show discussing pop culture's current obsession with chastity--from the purity rings of the Jonas Brothers to the chastity balls being held across the country. Jessica Valenti dissects this phenomenon in The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity is Hurting Young Women, which is out now in paperback.

Valenti is also answering questions on Formspring,where anyone can send in a question for consideration. Here's your opportunity to ask Valenti the question you've had on the tip of your tongue since you read her first book, Full Frontal Feminism.

An Apology to a Congo Activist

2010-01-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Recently, Lisa Shannon, author of the upcoming book, A Thousand Sisters: My Journey Into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman, wrote a very personal and moving letter on her blog to her friend "Kelly," who accompanied her on her first trip to the Congo. The letter was inspired by PS: What I Didn't Say, edited by Megan McMorris, which is a beautiful collection of unsent letters to female friends

In this letter, Shannon talks about how she wanted to keep the tension that arose between her and Kelly out of the memoir, but eventually realizes she has to be honest about her experiences. Now, Shannon regrets what she wrote in her upcoming memoir: A Thousand Sisters. Shannon says, "But I do want you to know this: whatever judgment or frustration I express in the book, absolutely none of it trumps my profound respect for the fact that you showed up for Congo."

Shannon captures the difficulties in writing a memoir. She is opening herself up to the world by writing about her experiences in the Congo, but at the same time, she wanted to keep certain things off limits and private and finds it impossible to do in the end. She has to be real, raw, and open about what she went through. What makes A Thousand Sisters so compelling, is that Shannon is willing to share her most difficult times, and the ways in which she felt torn about her experiences in the Congo, and how those experiences made her stronger.

You can read Shannon's letter here, and also take a moment to look at her other blog posts. Shannon also has a facebook fan page for A Thousand Sisters, which will keep you apprised of upcoming events and the current situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A Thousand Sisters is coming out in April 2010 and Shannon will be reading and attending events all over the country. We'll keep you posted!

Girldrive! Videos, Interviews and More!

2009-11-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

How do young women feel about feminism? What are their hopes, their dreams, their passions and their fears? Nona Willis Aronowitz and Emma Bee Bernstein set out on a roadtrip across America asking young women these questions. Over almost 200 interviews with feminists, activists, young mothers, college students and working women they shed light on the inner workings and feelings of young women across the nation. Girldrive: Criss-Crossing America, Redefining Feminism is out now and Aronowitz has been spreading the message far and wide. Her co-author, Emma Bee Bernstein took her own life before the completion of the project, but her legacy lives on in her photography, her art and her words in Girldrive.

Check out what's been going on with Girldrive over the last two weeks!

An awesome review on Feministing

A Q&A with Salon.com’s Frieda Klotz.

Listen to Aronowitz on Word of Mouth, New Hampshire Public Radio.

Read a great piece in the Chicago Reader by Jessica Hopper (of Girls’ Guide to Rocking fame)

And check out Nona's site www.girl-drive.com for information on the book, her upcoming readings and links to great articles and insight into the current state of feminism.

Also check out this video with one of the Girldrive participants. Erika works in the offices of PODER- People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources and was interviewed in Austin, TX.

Girldrive Mini-trailer #1--Redefine Feminism from Girldrive on Vimeo.

Publishers Weekly Announces "Yes Means Yes" as one of its Top 100 of 2009

2009-11-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

Today, Publishers Weekly posted its highly anticipated list of Best Books of 2009. Of 50,000 titles, Seal is proud to be recognized in the general non-fiction category for Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape, edited by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti.

PW states, "Activist writers Friedman and Valenti present an extraordinary, eye-opening essay collection that focuses on the importance of sexual identity and ownership in the struggle against rape in the U.S., as well as a number of related issues, including sexual pleasure, self-esteem and the mixed societal messages that turn 'nice guys' bad."

Congratulations to Seal, the editors, and to all the contributors!

To see the rest of the Best Books of 2009, head over here.

Melisa Hart, author of Gringa on tour!

2009-10-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Melissa Hart has embarked on a reading tour for her memoir Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood and she might be heading to a town near you! Tonite you can catch her entertaining reading in Seattle at Elliot Bay Book Company at 101 South Main St. at 7pm.

To get a sneak peak of Hart's engaging memoir listen to her interview on KBOO yesterday morning.

Set in 1970’s Southern California, Gringa begins with Hart’s mother leaving her father to begin a lesbian relationship and moving to Oxnard, CA. In this predominantly Latino community, Hart is exposed to a vastly different home life than her suburban upbringing. Hart spends a few blissful months soaking up her mother’s newfound bohemian lifestyle before a judge grants her father primary custody, deeming her mother’s lifestyle “unnatural”.

Hart weaves a powerful story of fleeting moments with her mother, her unfolding adoration of Oxnard’s Latino culture, and the ways in which she’s molded by the polarity of her parents’ worldviews. Gringa offers a touching, reflective look at one girl’s struggle with the dichotomies of class, culture, and sexuality.

Hart will be reading at the following cities:

Thursday, October 29th at 7:30pm
Books Inc, Castro
2275 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94114

Saturday, November 8th at 2:00pm
Book Soup
8818 Sunset Blvd.
W. Hollywood CA 90069

Wednesday, November 11th at 6:00pm
Latitude 33
311 Ocean Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

And for your Friday viewing pleasure, enjoy Hart cooking up a batch of Annie's special chili from her book.

A Mother and Daughter Find the Road to Recovery

2009-10-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America's Drug and Alcohol Scene News Source, posted a great review of Addicted Like Me: A Mother-Daughter Story of Substance Abuse and Recovery, written by Karen Franklin and Lauren King. They've said that "[It's] a story full of advice and inspiration from two women made wise from their experiences, 'Addicted Like Me,' aims to help others view addiction in a new way."

Karen Franklin and Lauren King have also been blogging regularly for the Partnerships' Intervene Blog, which is a part of the brand new Time To Act website. The site acts as a first response destination for parents worried about their children experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Read Karen Franklin's post "The Second Parental Deadly Sin: Enabling, here, and Lauren King's post about the fact that her parents never talked with her about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, here.

For more information visit the authors' website.

Get Laid!

2009-09-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

Shannon Boodram, editor of Laid: Young People's Experiences with Sex in an Easy-Access Culture, and her sister, created an awesome trailer for the upcoming release, using their own photography and music. Check it out right here. Get Laid.

Win Seal Press books and watch Jenny Block on Nightline!

2009-09-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's an exciting end of September here at Seal Press! We are offering our readers two opportunities to win fall titles and Jenny Block, author of Open: Love, Sex and Life in an Open Marriage, will be appearing tonight on Nightline.

Are you and your partner childless by choice or circumstance? If so you might be interested in winning a copy of our latest book, Two is Enough: A Couple's Guide to Living Childless by Choice by Laura S. Scott. Sign up to be a fan on the page on Facebook and answer one of two questions: What do you love the most about being childfree? or What is the strangest question you've been asked about being childless/childfree? This contest ends September 24th so be sure to post your answer soon!

Love Frito Boats and Ants on a Log? Want to win an autographed copy of Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood? Write down the first recipe you remember making as a child or young adult, and share it on Melissa Hart's fan page on Facebook. Contests ends October 2nd so enter your award-winning recipe now!

Tonight on Nightline: Jenny Block, author of the Lambda-Award winning memoir Open, is going to be on Nightline debating adultery and the Ten Commandments. This is part of Nightline's Face-Off series where opposing parties debate hot topics. Appearing on the panel will be Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church, Noel Biderman of ashleymadison.com, and Jonathan Daugherty of Be Broken Ministries. You can watch it tonight on ABC's Nightline or online.

Jaclyn Friedman discusses the Campus Rape Crisis and the Hofstra Rape/ Recant Story

2009-09-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Just as colleges and universities across the country are going back in session, the Hofstra University case has hit the media and left questions, opinions, and varying reactions.

Jaclyn Friedman, editor of Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape, has written two articles recently that we wanted to share. The first, in the American Prospect, discusses the failure of rape prevention on campus and where responsibility lies. In the second article on AmplifyYourVoice.org, Friedman lists the four things that need to be said about the Hofstra Rape/ Recant story.

What are your thoughts?

You Know You're in a Midlife Crisis When...You Can Win a Midlife Crisis Contest!

2009-09-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we asked women to share the signs of an imminent midlife crisis, using Amy Ferris's Seven Signs of a Midlife Crisis for inspiration. The responses were wonderful, funny, and oh, so true. We especially loved the seven winning submissions below. These witty women each received a copy of Marrying George Clooney, as well as a big thank-you from us, whose middle-of-the-night musings have just become a little more bearable. So, without further ado:

You know you're in a midlife crisis when...

...Your hair is short, your whiskers are long, and you no longer care!
—Mary Frances Frawley

...You realize you have to find a new dream for the next half of your life and don’t have the vaguest idea where to start.
—Susan Ann Weinman

...You run into old your friends at a picnic and the children they are escorting are all their grandkids!
—Pegi McKee

...You realize you’re older than the president for the first time in your life!
—Jacqueline Korteland Boller

...That list of things you always wanted to do (become a veterinarian, do an undercover FBI stake-out, dye your hair pink, move to Tahiti and live on the beach for a year, have seven children and run an organic farm...) becomes the list of things you now realize you’ll never do.
—Renee Cramer

...You actually contemplate putting on the lycra jumpsuit you wore rollerskating at the Roxy in the 80’s...and notice it really is not a good look, and probably never was!
—Andrea Eisen

...Your mind, instead of your man, wakes you up at 4 A.M. !
—Mary Kruger

For more Marrying George Clooney, check out this clip of author Amy Ferris's good friend, Bruce, reading a chapter from the book.

Book Trailer Bonanza!

2009-09-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

We have a host of great books coming out in October! Two of our authors have recently made book trailers which perfectly capture with pictures and music the joy, heartbreak and delight of their works.

Female friendships are some of the most powerful relationships in our lives. Yet sometimes we still find it hard to express our true feelings to the women closest to us. Whether it be fear, ego or circumstance that stand in the way, each of us has something we wish we could say to a friend, but haven't. In PS: What I Didn't Say, editor Megan McMorris gathers together a collection of unsent letters from various women writers to their female friends, representing a range of unspoken emotions. McMorris has put together a great video that will remind you of your best friend moments.

Set in 1970’s Southern California, Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood is the true story of a young girl conflicted by two extremes. Forced to live with her father by a judge who deemed her lesbian mother’s lifestyle, “unnatural”, Hart was only allowed to visit her mother and her partner two weekends a month. During these short stays, she embraced the culture of her mother’s neighborhood, seeking solace in quesadillas, musicals, and her mother’s ramshackle VW bus. At her father’s house, she struggled with his hot temper, her inability to fit in, and the deep yearning for her mother.

Below Hart demonstrates the correct way to make a Frito Boat, an all time favorite at her mother's house.

The Boss of You Makes Top 30 List

2009-08-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

We’re happy to announce The Boss of You blog—based on the Seal title of the same name—by Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears made the She Takes On The World list as one of the top 30 entrepreneurship and business blogs by women. A valuable business resource for women, The Boss of You blog (& book) extends expert advice to women looking to start, run, and maintain their own business—on their own terms. Congratulations to Lauren and Emira on this well deserved recognition.

You know you're in a midlife crisis when...

2009-08-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

We've just received advanced copies of Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis by Amy Ferris and the book looks beautiful. Currently we're running a contest on the fan page on Facebook for seven lucky fans to receive an advanced copy of the book! All you have to do is become a fan here and finish the sentence, You know you're in a midlife crisis when...

Read Amy's seven signs of a midlife crisis below and go to the fan page to list yours!

You know you’re in a midlife crisis when….
By Amy Ferris

7. There are no molehills, only mountains.

6. You no longer want—or need—to punctuate any single part of your life with a period

5. Heads Ambien. Tails Ambien.

4. You call The Women's Correctional Center to see if they have "week to week" availability.

3. Going through the alphabet, you immediately think Xanax when you come to the letter X.

2. Networking is the new gossiping.

1. Finally, midlife means you're closer to death, so you make sure to keep everything & everyone at arm’s length, postponing the inevitable as long as possible.

Dawn Dais on View from the Bay

2009-07-22T10:06:00.001-07:00

Today at 3pm Dawn Dais, author of The Noncyclist's Guide to the Century and Other Road Races will be on View from the Bay talking about her book, advising on easy ways to get into exercising, and discussing her ongoing Tour de Sacramento.

The Tour De Sacramento is a great way for locals to get in on what their city has to offer. Consisting of rides through the Sacramento area, it's a fun and easy way for people to get fit and get to know their city from a different viewpoint. Completely free, the Tour de Sacramento is taking place in tandem with the Tour de France.

Tonite the Tour de Sacramento will be doing a Grub Crawl Ride in Sacramento, so if you're in the area you should meet up at Bikes and Bites at 1013 12th Street at 5:30pm. For $25 you'll be visiting 5 great restaurants and receiving free appetizers along with drinks specials and cool prizes. This is the Tour de Sacramento Foodie edition so hop on board the Grub Crawl Ride!

Check out the Girldrive trailer

2009-07-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

This is the very cool new Girldrive trailer----just out and also featured on Jezebel earlier today.

The Seal Web Round-Up: What's New Online for Fall 2009

2009-07-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

While many people are just getting their summers into high gear, around here we're already thinking about fall and the new Seal books that will be coming with it. Want to see what we're seeing? To get a sneak preview and a taste of what's to come, check out some of our authors' websites, blogs and fanpages from the list below.

Girldrive: Crisscrossing America, Redefining Feminism: check out the new fanpage on Facebook, the blog and keep checking in for a new website coming soon!

For Living Canvas: Your Total Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Body Modification, head over to Karen Hudson's fanpage on Facebook

Check out the new website and blog for Laid: Young People's Experiences with Sex in an Easy-Access Culture

Become a fan of Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood on Facebook

Head over to the fanpage for Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis

Visit Marie Leonard's website, author of Marie's Home Improvement Guide, here.

Get ready to create your very own book club with Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-Daughter Book Clubs at www.motherdaughterbookclub.com

And with the release of the second edition of Invisible Girls: The Truth About Sexual Abuse visit: www.girlthrive.com

Six months from now let's ask Jon & Kate about their divorce

2009-06-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Jon & Kate divorce is all over the news. I was in the airport bookstore this weekend and at least three tabloids featured covers of Jon & Kate.

It's unfortunate that their marriage didn't work out. But this divorce could open up new worlds, for both Jon & Kate. What I'd really like to do is send them a copy of our book, Ask Me About My Divorce edited by Candace Walsh. Both of them could benefit from the positive stories in this book. Stories about dreams becoming possible, life opening up, and love blossoming again. It's a fun and inspiring collection, and anyone who has had a divorce can find at least one chapter to connect with. One chapter where they recognize themselves and the ways in which their great loss became a great transformation.

So if you have Jon's new address in NYC, or Kate's address, send it along to me and I'll send them a copy. Because maybe someday they will want people to ask them about their divorce, so they can share the wisdom and the happiness they experienced in their new lives.

If you want to learn more about the book, check out their website at Ask Me About My Divorce.

~ Andie East

Melissa Ford wins the RESOLVE: National Fertility Associate Hope Award for Best Blog

2009-06-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

Melissa Ford, author of Navigating the Land Of If: Understanding Infertility and Exploring Your Options (Seal Press / May 2009 / $16.96) was recently honored by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association this last weekend. Ford received the Hope Award for Best Blog for her blog Stirrup Queens. This was an Inaugral Award given to an individual/organization whose virtual initiative and mission is to foster awareness in the infertility community through the use of a blog. Please join Seal Press in congratulating Melissa Ford on her achievements. Learn more about her book here and check out her website here.

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, established in 1974, is a non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders.

The mission of RESOLVE is to provide timely, compassionate support and information to people who are experiencing infertility and to increase awareness of infertility issues through public education and advocacy.

Seal Press titles honored in the ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards!

2009-06-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

ForeWord Magazine announced the winners of the 2008 Book of the Year Awards and two Seal Titles were honored! My So-Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman won Gold in the Career category while The Maternal is Political edited by Shari MacDonald Strong won Silver in the Women's Issues category.

At a ceremony at BookExpo America in New York City, the 220 Book of the Year Award winners in 61 categories were honored. These books, representing the best independently published books from 2008 were selected by a panel of librarian and bookseller judges.

Congratulations to the authors and contributors of these two great titles!

Jenny Block wins a Lambda Award!

2009-05-29T09:20:00.001-07:00

Last night Jenny Block won the Lambda Award in the category for bisexual book for her book Open: Love, Sex and Life in an Open Marriage. The Lambda Literary Awards seek to recognize excellence in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender literature. Each year, over 80 judges -- writers, booksellers, librarians, journalists -- assess the entries in more than 20 categories. Check out Jenny's website at to learn more about her book and get on her newsletter!

DIRT authors on tour!

2009-05-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

The editor and contributors to DIRT: The Quirks, Habits, and Passions of Keeping House are on a multi-state book tour. Check out this great picture of them reading at Borders 10 Columbus Circle last week. From left to right: Mindy Lewis, Patty Dann, Mindy Greenstein, Sally Koslow, and Joyce Maynard. Catch them at one of the following events!

Tues June 2nd, 6-8PM Cornelia Street Café, Greenwich Village
Laura Shaine Cunningham, Katy Brennan, Lisa Selin Davis, Thad Rutkowski, and Alissa Quart

Sat June 6th, 7PM Inquiring Minds Bookstore, New Paltz NY
Laura Shaine Cunningham, Rand Richards Cooper, Mindy Lewis
Reception and raffle for Eco-friendly products donated by True-Value Hardware

Sun June 14th, 2PM McIntyre’s Bookstore, Fearrington Village, Pittsboro NC
Julianne Malveaux, Nancy Peacock, Lisa Solod Warren

Sat August 8th, 11AM, Toadstool Bookstore, Peterborough, New Hampshire
Mindy Lewis, Joyce Maynard, Mimi Schwartz

Tues Aug 11th, 7PM Books, Inc., Alameda CA
Kayla Cagan, Mindy Lewis, Krista Lyons, Louise Rafkin

Sun Sept 13th, 4PM The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens
Kathleen Crisci, Rebecca McClanahan, Laura Shaine Cunningham

Announcing the She-Smoke Virtual BBQ Contest

2009-05-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Julie Reinhardt, co-owner of Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ in Seattle and author of the newly released She-Smoke: A Backyard Barbecue Book (Seal Press/ June 2009), is excited to announce the She-Smoke Virtual Barbecue Contest, which aims to create the largest virtual barbecue in the world. Perfect for Memorial Day and the upcoming summer weekends, The She-Smoke Contest will not only bring together the wonderful community of BBQ, but will also serve as a fundraiser for Heifer International to fight world hunger, as Julie will donate $1 to the organization for every entry.

Here's how the contest works:

1) View the contest trailer HERE.
2) Have a barbecue and video tape it.
3) In your 1-3 minute video tell us what you are smoking or grilling (we're not going to get too hung up on definitions here), and tell us what barbecue means to you.
4) Upload your video in response to the trailer on YouTube.
5) For every entry we will donate $1 to Heifer International.
6) Contest dates are now through June 15th. Winners will be announced by July 5th.

Categories include:

1) Best looking barbecue (we can't eat it virtually, so make it a feast for our eyes!)
2) Best Video
3) Best Party - let us feel like we are there!
4) Most Interesting Smoker
5) Best Overall Entry/Grand Champion

Winners will receive a signed copy of She-Smoke: A Backyard Barbecue Book, and the Grand Champion will receive a Junior Traeger Grill! A $399 value, thanks to Traeger Grills!

For more information, go to Julie’s website.
Watch the YouTube contest video.
Or read Julie’s Blog.

We look forward to seeing all your BBQ videos!

Helen Boyd on Air America

2009-05-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Helen Boyd, author of My Husband Betty and She's Not the Man I Married, was interviewed earlier today on Air America on Nicole Sandler's show. It's a great clip, which you can access here:

Start it at Minute 9.

Though the interview is a lot about what it's like to be in a trans relationship, with plenty of personal questions for Helen, the interview was prompted because of Jennifer Finney Boylan's op-ed in the NY Times earlier this week about being “differently married.” Boylan is a trans woman, legally a female, married to a woman because she married her when she was still a man.

This was a largely overlooked issue in Labor of Love, by Thomas Beatie. The media doesn't really want to talk about the fact that trans people are allowed to marry as long as they're legally "opposite sexed," while gay and lesbian couples can't. And Thomas sheds light on the ironic fact that he and his wife Nancy could have easily gotten sperm if they had wanted to conceive as a lesbian couple, but his being trans made doctors suspicious of his mental stability.

The fact is that trans folks and genderbenders mess things up for people who like everything to be in nice, neat categories. And kudos to Jennifer for pointing out the obvious:

"It’s my hope that people who are reluctant to embrace same-sex marriage will see that it has been with us, albeit in this one unusual circumstance, for years."

---Brooke

Against the Grain talks with Yes Means Yes

2009-04-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Tune into Against the Grain on KPFA 94.1 FM and KFCF 88.1 FM today at noon to hear an amazing interview with Yes Means Yes contributors Jill Filopovic and Julia Serano. They will be discussing how rape culture needs to change and how Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World Without Rape provides a variety of different viewpoints aimed to educate men and women.

If you miss the original broadcast you can listen to the interview at Against the Grain.

Next week the editors and contributors will be reading at bay area bookstores. Join editors Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti with contributors Lisa Jervis, Julia Serano, and Susan Lopez for a reading at Modern Times Bookstore on May 7th at 7pm. Modern Times Bookstore is located at 888 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Editor Jaclyn Friedman and contributors
Lisa Jervis, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna Samarasinha, and Julia Serano will be reading at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA on Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Get great travel tips from Travel Therapy author Karen Schaler

2009-04-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

"I need a vacation!" If you've gotten that far, but aren't sure how to proceed, Karen Schaler has advice for you straight from her book, Travel Therapy: Where Do You Need To Go? Schaler shares her secrets for planning a tailored-to-you vacation, including some luxurious getaways with a pleasantly surprising price tag. Check out her informative Seal Press podcast here!

Delve into Nicole Johns' experience with Purge: Rehab Diaries

2009-04-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

April 1rst was the official release date of Purge: Rehab Diaries, by Nicole Johns, and the word has already been spread far and wide. Here's a recap:

Kirkus Reviews said in the March 1rst issue: "[Purge is] a revealing glimpse into the trauma wrought by eating disorders—especially important for the afflicted and those who care for them."

Library Journal's Online Addendum said, "If you could handle Girl, Interrupted, you can handle this unflinching work rooted in feminist self-reflection."

Nicole Johns has been interviewed for the May Issue of Marie Claire. Look for it on shelves in the middle of April.

Rachel Kramer Bussel has excerpted a great blog post by Johns, on her blog. Check it out here. An interview between Bussel and Johns is also in the works!

Amanda at That Teen Can Blog, interviewed Johns and reviewed Purge. Head over to Amanda's blog and check out the great review and interview.

Yesterday, Nicole Johns appeared on Twin Cities Live for a wonderful discussion about her new book. Check out the clip, here. Click on the pink book cover on the side for her segment.

Purge is also being reviewed for Eating Disorders Victoria. An Australian organization who provide information, referrals and support to people with Eating Disorders, their families and friends.

Johns was also interviewed for KFAI's Write On Radio! Scroll down to the announcements section and take a listen to the March 26th show. Nicole comes in at about 24 minutes.

Purge: Rehab Diaries is also being reviewed in the upcoming issue of the Journal of American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Also upcoming are two events in the Twin Cities:

April 24th, 2009, 4pm, Coffman Bookstore on the University of Minnesota campus.

May 6th, 2009, 7pm, The Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Congratulations to Nicole on the release of her memoir. We look forward to seeing more publicity in the coming weeks.

Stress-Busting Vacations from Travel Therapy

2009-03-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Karen Schaler, author of Travel Therapy: Where Do You Need to Go?, made an appearance Saturday on Fox News to give suggestions for relaxing vacations to decompress from stress. Check out her suggestions here and learn more about travel destinations that will help you relieve stress, and save money, during tax time.

For more information go to her website www.traveltherapytrips.com.

Finalists Announced for the Lambda Literary Awards

2009-03-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce that Open, by Jenny Block, and Transgender History, by Susan Stryker, have been announced as finalists for the 21rst Annual Lambda Literary Awards, which "seek to recognize excellence in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender literature."

Jenny Block, author of Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage, has been named a finalist in the Bisexual category.

Susan Stryker, author of Transgender History, has been named a finalist in the Transgender category.

Winners will be announced May 28th, 2009, at an awards ceremony in New York! For more information go to the Lambda Literary Awards website here.

Start your LIST today!

2009-03-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

We recently sent out The List: 100 Ways to Shake Up Your Life by Gail Belsky to some of our favorite female bloggers. Thanks to these great interviews and reviews, many readers have been inspired to start a List of their own. Check out these wonderful posts, then go over to Gail's website, ShakeUpList and get started building your own list, today.

For Her Information's Falise Platt added The List into a round up of great books for Women's History Month!

Gail was also interviewed by Rachel Kramer Bussel at her blog, The Lusty Lady. Here's a spicy quote: "I went topless in my twenties and thirties, but not since. Same thing with skinny dipping and watching porn." Click here for the rest of the interview.

The Book Lady already finished her giveaway but you can still check out her review here.

Read this review at Story Circle Book Review, which says, "I'll keep this one as a permanent part of my library and reread it for ideas when I get bored. Perhaps I'll flip it open and do whatever happens to be on that page. That is a sure way to step out of my comfort zone."

The Adventurous Women Blog is a great place to get ideas for new and exciting things to try. Check out this interview with Gail about what inspired her to write The List!

The Fly Girl Guide says "It’s a fun, upbeat, inspiring way to get out of the rut of your daily life. "

Bella Online recommends the book for anyone looking for inspiration to shake up their lives!

And you can also listen to Gail's interview with Marrie Stone on the show Writers on Writing.

Open now available in trade paper

2009-03-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

Author Jenny Block has a promo going on the trade paperback version of Open this week to sell 5,000 copies of her book!

It's a valiant goal, so we're here to help her make it happen!

Check it out today.

Own It! author Jennifer Musselman on KTLA TV

2009-03-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

Own It! author Jennifer Musselman appeared on KTLA this morning and offered up expertise and advice for women looking to buy their own home. She discussed the economic climate and why this may be a great time for you to get the home you've always dreamed of. She also discussed how to start planning and saving if buying your own home is on the horizon. Check the great clips, here.

Michelle Goodman Discusses Nightmare Clients!

2009-02-24T15:58:00.000-08:00

Michelle Goodman, author of My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire is going to be giving an online presentation with the Freelancer's Union on how to deal with a nightmare client!

Michelle will discuss how to:

• Sniff out a client’s reputation ahead of time
• Chase down missing checks
• Set better boundaries with clients who make excessive demands on your time
• Close up contract loopholes that could come back to haunt you later
• Decide whether a relationship with a client is salvageable
• Gracefully let a troublesome client go

Learn more about the presentation and register online here. Check out her book for more information on troubleshooting other freelance problems!

Join LInda Furiya as she reads from How to Cook a Dragon

2009-02-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Linda Furiya, a San Francisco Chronicle food critic and author of the poignant coming of age memoir Bento Box in the Heartland, has just released her second book, How to Cook a Dragon: Living, Loving, and Eating in China. How to Cook a Dragon describes the difficult and rewarding six year period she spent living in Beijing and Shanghai. Furiya moved to China to start a life with her boyfriend Eric, but she never expected to fall in love with China through her amazing culinary experiences.

Linda Furiya will be reading at the following venues:

February 22nd, 2009 at 7:00pm
Book Passage Corte Madera
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 927-0960

February 24th, 2009 at 7:00pm
A Great Good Place for Books
6120 La Salle Ave
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 339-8210

February 25th, 2009 at 7:00pm
Get Lost Travel Books
1825 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-437-0529

Maria Raha, author of Hellions: Pop Culture's Rebel Women, wins the Emily Toth Award

2009-02-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

It's been announced today that Maria Raha, author of Hellions: Pop Culture's Rebel Women, has won the Popular Culture/American Culture Association's Emily Toth Award for the Best Single Work in Women's Studies in Popular and American Culture in 2008. Congratulations, Maria. The award will be presented at the PCA/ACA Conference in New Orleans in April.

Rachel Kramer Bussel gives advice on book gifts for Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

Watch this great video of Rachel Kramer Bussel's recommendations for Valentine's Day as she walks around San Francisco's Booksmith! She's the author of more than 22 erotic anthologies including Seal Press' Dirty Girls. Watch out for her mention of Fucking Daphne, an anthology about having sex with local legend Daphne Gottlieb!

Yes Means Yes receives a starred review from Publishers Weekly

2009-02-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

Seal Press is excited to share an amazing review from Publishers Weekly for Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape, edited by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti.

In addition to the starred review below check out the Yes Means Yes blog.

Congratulations to the editors, contributors, and all involved, for this review. It's so well deserved.

*Yes Means Yes! : Visions of Female Sexual Power & A World Without Rape
Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti. Seal, $15.95 (256p) ISBN 9781580052573

Activists and writers Friedman and Valenti (He's a Stud, She's a Slut) deliver an extraordinary essay compilation focusing on the struggle to stop rape in the U.S. and the importance of sexual identity and ownership. Early on, Thomas MacAulay Millar and Rachel Kramer Bussel explain how the “no means no” concept (sexual consent equals the absence of no) must be rejected in favor of a “yes means yes” mentality: the idea that consent means affirmative participation in the act itself, a broader definition that better protects women while encouraging power over—not fear of—personal sexual identity. Other topics include body image and self-esteem issues as well as incest, the dangers faced by female immigrants and the public perception of rape; in “Trial by Media,” Samhita Mukhopadhyay looks at the Duke Lacrosse rape case and finds the media acting in the tradition of slavery by commodifying the young, female African-American body. Though surprisingly entertaining throughout, with no shortage of wit or humor, unexpected topics (Friedman on enjoying sex, transsexual writer Julia Serano on the mixed cultural messages that lead “nice guys” to sexual aggression) keep the book dynamic. Sure to empower and inform, this is an important and inspiring read for assault survivors, educators, activists, experts and those on a path to self discovery. (Jan.)

Campus Progress.org spends Five Minutes With: Jessica Valenti

2009-02-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

On February 3rd, Sarah Karlin of Campus Progress, interviewed Jessica Valenti, founding editor of Feministing.com and the author of the upcoming Purity Myth (due out April 2009) In this interview Jessica talks about her new book, her motivation, and how feminism shapes her daily life. Check out the interview here.

Yes Means Yes Blog Tour!

2009-02-02T09:48:00.001-08:00

The editors and contributors of Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape (Seal Press / January 2009) will be participating in a blog tour starting today. Join Jessica Valenti, Jaclyn Friedman, Cara Kulwicki, Samhita Mukhopadhyay, and Miriam Perez for a 3PM livechat on Feministing to kick things off.

Below is a listing of the tour as it progresses:

Feministing - 2/2
Kickoff livechat with Jaclyn Friedman, Jessica Valenti, Miriam Perez, Samhita Mukhopadhyay & Cara Kulwicki

The F-Word - 2/3
Q&A with Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha

RH Reality Check - 2/4
Live chat with Julia Serano & Latoya Peterson

Our Bodies Our Blog - 2/5
Q&A with Brad Perry & Lisa Jervis

Shakesville - 2/9
Live chat with Jaclyn Friedman

Scarleteen - 2/10
Heather Corinna on the notion that post-feminism, young women are expected to have a LOT easier time with the yesses, with their sexuality, but that that simply is often not so, in part because they have a whole new set of challenges to grapple with.

Angry Black Bitch - 2/11
Q&A with Tiloma Jayasinghe

Shapely Prose - 2/12
Q&A with Kimberly Springer

Bitch Ph.D. - 2/16
Guest blogging with Jaclyn Friedman & Jessica Valenti

Shameless - 2/17
Q&A with Jill Filipovic

IMPACT - 2/18
Q&A with Anastasia Higginbotham

Radical Doula - 2/19
Q&A with Hazel/Cedar Troost

Feministe - 2/20
Grand finale conversation: Rachel Kramer Bussel, Toni Amato, Javacia Harris, Kate Harding, Stacey May Fowles, Hanne Blank, Heather Corinna

students expelled for sexual orientation

2009-01-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's the word, from an article in today's SF Chronicle.

Two students who were presumed to be lesbians were expelled from California Lutheran High School for their presumed sexual orientation. They were interviewed by the school's directors, suspended based on their answers, and then expelled a month later.

According to Justice Betty Richli, "The whole purpose of sending one's child to a religious school is to ensure that he or she learns even secular subjects within a religious framework."

Way to go, Fourth District Court of Appeal in San Bernardino. If Proposition 8 got you riled up, then this story should send you through the roof. According to Justice Richli, secular education is anti-gay. As if we needed more evidence that religious organizations are in the Dark Ages where issues of civil rights are concerned.

For the past month I've been going to Glide Memorial Church, where gays and lesbians worship alongside their straight counterparts. For the past five years my dad has been the pastor of a GLBTQ church in Palm Springs. It seems odd that there should be so few places where gays and lesbians can worship freely---and out. It's past time for churches to embrace gays and lesbians as equals and get over the toxic rhetoric and belief systems that this ever-visible segment of the population is somehow less-than or damned to hell. The Catholic and Mormon churches already made a huge mess in California, funneling money and energy that could have been so much better used into a campaign that strips loving partners from basic civil rights. Now this Lutheran high school is stepping up to condemn its gay students. As if navigating your sexuality in high school isn't hard enough.

When is it going to stop?

---Brooke

36th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade

2009-01-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Today is the 36th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade and I felt it was fitting to post some of the news that I've heard regarding this event, as well as discuss a book that encompasses it all: Abortion Under Attack: Women on the Challenges Facing Choice, edited by Krista Jacob.

"Our Bodies, Ourselves" has a really nice round up of all the political news surrounding this anniversary and I urge you to take a look. There is a lot going on, including the possibility of President Obama reversing many of the anti-abortion policies that were enacted by George W. Bush, the annual March for Life on the National Mall, and a Weeklong Blog-a-Thon. "Bloggers at Amplify, a youth-led online community are commemorating Roe’s anniversary by posting stories about what the right to a legal and safe abortion means to them and to women around the world and by sharing ideas for how we can preserve our right to choose. The blog-a-thon continues through Jan. 27." Go to Our Bodies, Ourselves for all the links.

Today is great day to talk about a book that Seal Press published in 2006. Abortion Under Attack addresses a spectrum of personal and social influences, ranging from dealing with remorse to the impact that economics, race, and culture have on a woman's choice to have an abortion. Krista Jacob, a longtime advocate for reproductive rights and former abortion counselor, compiled an impressive collection of writings by a diverse group of pro-choice activists who go beyond the same old analysis of reproductive rights to document and deconstruct the issues currently facing the pro-choice movement. This book is perfect to read at a time like this.

Today is a day to educate ourselves and each other. It's a day to remember what this anniversary means.

Happy Anniversary Roe V Wade,

Eva

Oh happy day!

2009-01-20T10:23:00.001-08:00

It's hard not to be in a good mood this morning following the awesome and monumental swearing in of President Barack Obama. We made it! It's been a long, downward-spiraling eight years of Bush, and so I had to smile yesterday when I saw this in downtown SF:

So as to leave on a positive rather than a kicking-Bush-to-the-curb note (as gleeful as I feel), can I just say I wish I could have been in DC this morning. Two million people. Yes we can!

Adios Bush! Bienvenido Obama, y gracias a Dios!!

---Brooke

Half-Assed Author, Jennette Fulda's Blog Tour

2009-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

The New Year is here, and everyone is trying their hardest to stick to those freshly-made resolutions. Jennette Fulda, author of Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir (Seal Press/ May 2008), has seen that trend. Published last spring, Half-Assed has recently seen a lot of momentum and we'd like to keep spreading the word. Join the author and six of her favorite bloggers as they team up, January 19th through January 24th, to create an awesome six day virtual tour for Jennette.

Learn more about Jennette and the book that may just become your inspiration. Through reviews, Q & A’s, video posts, and guest posts by the author, on six wonderfully unique blogs, this tour is sure to have a great following. Here's the line up:

Monday, January 19th: http://mizfitonline.com

Tuesday, January 20th: http://morgangetsthin.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 21rst: http://www.thismamacooks.com

Thursday, January 22nd: http://www.johnisfit.com

Friday, January 23rd: http://escapefromobesity.blogspot.com

Saturday, January 24th: http://lynnsweigh.blogspot.com

Michelle Goodman in Curve Magazine

2009-01-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

Michelle Goodman appears in the January/February 2009 issue of Curve Magazine featuring the cast of The L Word on the cover. In the short blurb they discuss The Anti 9-to-5 Guide and My So-Called Freelance Life.

Sweet Charlotte in the Sacramento News & Review

2009-01-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

There was a great article with Cori Crooks in the Sacramento News & Review this week talking about her new book, Sweet Charlotte's Seventh Mistake. Kel Munger, the reviewer, really got to the heart of Crooks' upbringing. They discuss Crooks'difficulties growing up with a chaotic childhood and an unstable mother and what inspired her to put together Sweet Charlotte's Seventh Mistake! Read more here!

New Year, New You

2009-01-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

We have the ultimate New Year, New You book this year in the recently released THE LIST: 100 WAYS TO SHAKE UP YOUR LIFE, by Gail Belsky. If you haven't checked out the blog, please do! I gave this book to my mom for Christmas. It's an awesome gift for your mothers, sisters, and close friends. The book is aimed at women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, and it's all about shaking up your routine.

I felt inspired to write about this book today, my first day back in the office after the holidays, when I saw this great write-up about it in The Aspen Times.

Sometimes when I work on a book I forget about the inspiration that kick-started the project to begin with. And for The List, Gail was all about picking things big and small. Some of the things are going to be way beyond your comfort zone, but what's life-changing for one woman might be no big deal to another. Which is why there's something for everyone, and even space at the end to list your own shake-ups. So check out the book and consider challenging yourself in the new year to do at least one or two of them.

---Brooke

merry christmas & happy holidays

2008-12-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

Our office is closed for the next couple days and the majority of us are heading home to family or cozying up at our homes here with friends and family.

Wishing all of our authors, readers, and supporters a very warm and happy holiday.

We love and appreciate you.

---from the women of Seal

Rest in peace, Emma

2008-12-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Tragic news this morning that Seal has lost one of its authors.

Emma Bee Bernstein, just 23 years old, was an amazing photographer and co-collaborator with her close friend Nona on the book Girldrive, which is scheduled for publication in fall 2009.

From the moment I saw the Girldrive blog, I admired Emma and Nona's passion for this project. They wanted to make a difference, to chronicle feminism across this country at a particularly pivotal moment in history. Their adventurousness and their pursuit of a dream is what makes this project so special. I believe their work will inspire young women to take a look at feminism, to ask themselves, Where do I fit in all of this? Nona's writing and Emma's photography capture an experience. Their goal was to write a book for and about their generation.

They wrote on their blog:

It’s about gutsy young women across the American cityscape. It’s about the past and the present, and it glimmers on the future. It’s about the promise of the open road.

Emma's passing is such a tremendous loss. Such a talented young woman. Gone way too soon. Our thoughts are with Nona and with Emma's family today. And I leave this blessing from John O'Donahue for Emma:

May there be some beautiful surprise
Waiting for you inside death
Something you never knew or felt,
Which with one simple touch
Absolves you of all loneliness and loss,
As you quicken within the embrace
For which your soul was eternally made.

---Brooke

Last Minute Shopping?

2008-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

Books make great gifts and now is the time to support your local bookstore by going out and buying some last minute books! A few of our books have made it on to gift list recommendations so check out the below for ideas and suggestions!

The RH Reality Check gift guide offers gifts that allow you to contribute to women friendly-causes! They recommend Yes Means Yes edited by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti as great book purchase.

Sexier Sex by Regina Lynn made it into the Sex Holiday Gift Guide on About.com.

Momaroo also listed her favorite books of 2008, one of which was Rebecca Woolf's Rockabye .

Also check out this website dedicated to why books are great gifts!

Seal Press Nominees for the 21st Annual Lambda Literary Awards

2008-12-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Lambda Literary Awards seek to recognize excellence in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender literature. Each year, over 80 judges -- writers, booksellers, librarians, journalists -- assess the entries in more than 20 categories.

Seal Press is excited to announce that four Seal Press titles are nominees! The finalists will be annnounced no later than March 15, 2009 and we'll keep our fingers crossed until then.

BISEXUAL:

Open, Jenny Block, Seal Press

TRANSGENDER:

Labor of Love, Thomas Beatie, Seal Press

Transgender History, Susan Stryker, Seal Press

LGBT ANTHOLOGIES:

Fucking Daphne, edited by Daphne Gottlieb, Seal Press

LGBT STUDIES:

Transgender History, Susan Stryker, Seal Press

Congratulations to our authors and all the authors that have been nominated, and to see a complete list of nominees click here.

Seal books at Urban Craft Uprising!

2008-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend, December 6th and 7th, Michelle Goodman of My So-Called Freelance Life, and Lauren Bacon and Emira Mears of Boss of You, will be signing books at Urban Craft Uprising.

If you're in the area, this is an event you don't want to miss.

Book signings @ Urban Craft Uprising - December 6 & 7
When: Saturday signing 12 to 1 pm. Sunday signing 1 to 2 pm. Craft show open from 11 to 5 pm.
What: Fourth annual Urban Craft Uprising, a rocking indie craft show with 130+ vendors
Where: Seattle Center, Exhibition Hall
Info: Free admission. More at Urban Craft Uprising.

Seal holiday gift recs

2008-12-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Last spring we sponsored a writing contest with WOW! Women on Writing, which is a fantastic resource for women writers. If you don't already know about them, bookmark them now!

They've just released their WOW Holiday Gift Guide, which is full of awesome gift ideas for the writers on your list, and happens to include the following Seal titles:

Half-Assed, by Jennette Fulda

Boss of You, by Emira Mears and Lauren Bacon

The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide, by Melissa Stanton

My So-Called Freelance Life, by Michelle Goodman

Of course, Seal books make great gifts all year round, but do check out this guide. It has smart stocking stuffer ideas and all kinds of stuff writers will love. Maybe you'll want to give it to someone whose list you're on, as a helpful hint---you know?

Thanks, WOW!, for all you do.

---Brooke

Women's Perspectives Newsletter

2008-12-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you who aren't getting our newsletter, check it out here:

SEAL PRESS WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVE NEWSLETTER

And then sign up to receive our quarterly updates.

Thanks for checking in!

---Seal

Calling All Shaker-Uppers

2008-11-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

You may have heard about one of our newest books, The List: 100 Ways to Shake Up Your Life — if you haven't, it's chock-full of ideas to get out, get involved, get going, and generally add some life back into your life. All the ideas in The List, from #13 Run for Office to #60 Kiss a Total Stranger to #92 Have a Baby Late in Life, are based on real stories from women who've come up with creative and often outrageous ways to do something new. You'll read about women who've biked across the US, played ice hockey, started charities, lost 50-plus pounds, gone commando, and mounted art exhibits, to name a few. But we know there are many, many more ideas out there than could ever fit into one book . . . and that's where you come in!

If you have a great shake-up story or an idea for one, we'd love to hear about it. Email thelist@perseusbooks.com with your name and a description of your shake-up. The Lister with our favorite story will win a free copy of the book! Deadline is November 30, so make sure to get yours in this weekend!

To learn more about The List, visit the website at www.shakeuplist.com.

4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days

2008-11-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

A while back, I heard the name of a film and knew exactly what it would be about. I added it to our netflix and my boyfriend and I watched it over the weekend.

4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days is set in Communist Romania in 1987. It tells the story of two students, roomates in the dorms, who help each other arrange an illegal abortion for one of the girls. This film brought up a lot of feelings for me because the idea of overturning Roe v. Wade always seems to be of question or concern. As a young woman who believes in every woman's right to choose, this movie made me think of the consequences of what would happen in the United States if abortion were illegal and girls and young women were forced to do terminate pregnancies in hidden places, with unsterile things, and under horrible circumstances. This movie brought those images to life. It opened my eyes to a place where girls will go to jail if they accidentally become pregnant and make the choice not to have the baby. A world where in order to even have an illegal abortion and perhaps die from it, women sometimes endure rape, just so they can pay for it.

It's difficult to believe that choice is still in question for some in the world. That because you aren't ready yet, or made a mistake, that you may have to risk your life. But I'm thankful to live in a country where I am still able to choose, and I hope it stays that way.

This movie is hard to watch at times, but really worth it.

~Eva

the F-word is still a dirty word

2008-11-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

According to a new Daily Beast poll only 20% of women are willing to use the word “feminist” about themselves and only 17% of all voters said they would welcome their daughters using that label.

When you run in feminist circles, you think that numbers like this can't possibly be true. The very fact that "feminism" is a dirty word to so many people, a label that women would reject because of the stigmas attached to it, is evidence of how much power---personal, social, political---we give up, over and over and over again, as women. I'm not a conspiracist. It's not like I think The Man, or The Right, or women like Sarah Palin are in cahoots to keep women in their places. But each of these entities (and hundreds of organizations and ideological groups and individuals just like them) certainly distorts feminism, so much so that feminism is really just an interpretation: home, life-saver, threat, joke, dirty word.

I remember seeing this quote by feminist Paula Kamen: "A natural response is to change the word feminist to a word with fewer stigmas attached. But inevitably the same thing will happen to that magical word. Part of the radical connotation of feminism is not due to the word, but to the action. The act of a woman standing up for herself is radical, whether she calls herself a feminist or not."

The act of a woman standing up for herself. A radical act, indeed.

via Broadsheet

---Brooke

Thomas Beatie, pregnant man, on Good Morning America

2008-11-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

This morning Thomas Beatie appeared on Good Morning America with his wife, Nancy, and their daughter Susan. He discussed his new book, Labor of Love: One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy, and how it feels to be the world's first pregnant man. Check out the video here! Also read the first chapter of Labor of Love at the ABC website.

Saturday's rallies

2008-11-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Tens of thousands of people across the U.S. attended rallies over the weekend to support gay rights. Although the passing of 8 was a hugely disturbing event, it's amazing and awesome to see how much it's mobilized people.

For a little levity, and just to bring light to the ridiculousness of what happened here in California, I want to share Julia Serano's post "Eliminating People's Rights," which reads:

As of today, I refuse to acknowledge 52% of Californian's rights! I will do so randomly, at my choosing. I have deemed myself the ultimate arbiter of rights! After all, as a California voter, I have a God given right to decide who is entitled to "rights" and who is not.

Thus, by the powers vested in me as a California voter, I declare that:

1) Freedom of religion has been eliminated for all of the Mormons and Catholic who funded the "yes on 8" ads.

2) Freedom of speech has been eliminated for anyone who voted for prop 8.

3) And if you fall into class "1" or class "2", then too bad, because I am eliminating your right to marry too. Ha!

special transsexual bonus:
While I'm at it, I refuse to acknowledge the gender identities of anyone who won't acknowledge mine. So watch out Ms. Blanchard and Mr. Jeffreys....

Here are a couple of shots, mine from Oakland and my friend Brendon's from Chicago.

O-Town

Chi-Town

---Brooke

Barbara Walters Exclusive tomorrow night

2008-11-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone tune in to watch Thomas Beatie, author of Labor of Love, and his family on Barbara Walters tomorrow night.

ABC has announced today that Thomas is expecting again, and we can and will find out more tomorrow night. We at Seal extend our heartfelt congratulations to Thomas and Nancy, and to baby Susan, who's going to be an older sister pretty soon.

---Brooke

Buy books as gifts this year!

2008-11-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

I realize that most of our readers are book lovers, but for those of you who aren't tapped into the industry, these are scary times. They're scary times for a lot of people, needless to say, but a story in yesterday's New York Times points to some pretty stormy times ahead, including news that we've known for a while: that Borders is probably going out of business (or at least trying to sell itself).

So what can you do? Buy books this holiday season! If you normally already do, consider buying books for people you don't usually buy for. Books are an amazing gift, and you support publishing and booksellers while you're at it.

Two recommendations on Seal's list for the holidays:

For your mom or your best friend, check out The List: 100 Ways to Shake Up Your Life, by Gail Belsky.
---This is the perfect holiday gift to spark some fun ideas for New Year's resolutions, or just ways to spice things up a bit. Specifically geared toward women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, this book has some fantastic suggestions for challenging yourself and/or the women you love.

For anyone who's interested in a memoir unlike anything they've read before, consider getting Labor of Love: the Story of One Man's Extraordinary Pregnancy, by Thomas Beatie.
---Thomas has been getting a lot of attention in the media, but his memoir is worth the read. The book is an experience unlike anything you may have read or seen thus far, as it grapples with the tough challenges and amazing rewards that Thomas and Nancy encountered on their journey to conceive and give birth to their beautiful little girl.

---Brooke

Repeal Prop 8

2008-11-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't checked out the Courage Campaign, do so now.

Sign the pledge to build the Marriage Equality Movement

With enough outrage and enough momentum, this proposition truly has the potential to be overturned, which would be a beautiful beautiful thing.

Say no to amending a constitution with a simple majority. Say no to inequality. Say no to ignorance and hysteria.

Say yes to Marriage Equality.

---Brooke

Tango on West Coast Live and A Matter of Taste

2008-11-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

Camille Cusumano, author of Tango: An Argentine Love Story, will be appearing on West Coast Live this Saturday, November 8th. West Coast Live is a live radio show in front of a studio audience that showcases music, books, performers and more all interviewed by the fabulous Sedge Thomson. West Coast Live airs from 10am to Noon PST time and you can listen to it at KALW 91.7 FM.

She'll also be on A Matter of Taste, Sunday November 9th from 11am to Noon!

Listen in to either of these shows this weekend to hear Cusumano discussing music, love, travel and Tango!

the would-be utopia

2008-11-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

First of all, thank God! To have had Barack Obama announced the president-elect before 9pm PST was truly an amazing thing to behold. It's a stunning victory, and one that we at Seal revel in along with so many of our fellow Americans.

In California, though, Prop 8 has passed. It was hard to watch the Yes on 8 Campaign in Sacramento celebrating their "win" while the party-goers in the Castro promised to keep on fighting. Meanwhile, Prop 4 at least has failed, and Ann at Feministing has a thorough rundown of all the anti-gay, anti-choice, anti-immigrant, and anti-equal opportunity legislation that was on various ballots across the nation yesterday. Some victories, and some shockingly regressive decisions.

It's strange to come to work today with such elation and such disappointment. I'm holding onto the inspiration and hope that Obama carries for so many, though. Congratulations America! Eight years of waiting for it to be over, and we've finally made it!!

---Brooke

Happy Election Day

2008-11-04T08:47:00.001-08:00

I come to work extremely hopeful this morning. There was already a line down the block at my polling place this morning, at 6.50. It was amazing to stand among the diverse group of people: gay and straight couples; black, white, and Latino voters. It was the first moment I've had where hope has overridden doubt---and that in itself is something to savor.

Just to savor the moment a little more, I'm going to allow myself to dream of what tomorrow might look like. Obama and Biden have been up late celebrating their victory, and Californians wake up to the results on Prop 8 and Prop 4. Neither have passed.

I heard from a close source that a valid fear about gay marriage is that it would alter the very social fabric of our society. The ironic thing is that I think that's true, and I say bring it on. The social fabric of our society is more interesting and beautiful with diverse expressions of love. I grew up not feeling comfortable sharing with my friends that my dad had a partner who I loved as much as I loved my parents. I wonder how different my experience would have been if I had been able to say he was my stepfather. Because that's indeed what he was to me. Tomorrow I imagine a world without Prop 8, and a world where gay partners can call each other wife and wife or husband and husband and where kids of gay parents aren't ashamed or confused or vague about their parents' and parents' partners roles are.

I have a close friend who's voting yes on Prop 4 because she wants to be able to "weigh in" should her daughter get pregnant. My interpretation of weigh in: make the choice on behalf of her daughter. In this girl's case, there wouldn't be a choice, though, because abortion would not be an option. For those parents who would vote for Prop 4, here's a simple request: Talk to your kids about sex. Wouldn't that be a wonderful proposition to put on the ballot? Prop Talk to Your Kids about Sex. Reduces teen pregnancy! Takes into account that kids are going to have sex whether you think it's a sin or not! Acknowledges the actual world we live in, where kids are bombarded by messages about sex---and so they need more information, not less! Tomorrow I imagine a world without Prop 4, where teens are able to seek out the information they need (including info about birth control!) and make choices about their own bodies.

So now I'll just sit back and wait to see if dreams really can come true.

---Brooke

hot solo senior sex---a contest from Seal author Joan Price

2008-10-20T15:20:00.001-07:00

We wanted to share/reprint Joan Price's blog post from yesterday. Joan is the smart, outrageous, and totally sex-positive author of Better Than I Ever Expected, who's always coming up with fabulous new ideas for keeping senior sex front and center.

Here's the goods from Joan herself:

What's your best tip for hot solo senior sex? I've published my 10 Tips for Hot Sex after Sixty that apply mainly to couples (and I've been criticized for that), and now I'm asking your help in compiling the best tips for pleasuring yourself solo after age 60 (or 50, or 70, or 80).

Here's how to enter the Solo Sex Hot Tip Contest:

1. Email Joan with "contest tip" as your header.

2. In your email, describe in about 100 words your Solo Sex Hot Tip, including an anecdote from your personal story about how this tip improved your sexual pleasure. (I'm not looking for porn or even erotica---just the nuts & bolts how this tip worked to enhance your pleasure.)

3. Be sure to include your full name, mailing address (so that I can send you a book if you win!), and email address in your email. This information will NOT be shared.

4. You're welcome to post tips anonymously as a comment here, but realize that I can't give you an award if I don't know who you are.

Prizes: One entry per month will receive a free copy of Better Than I Ever Expected, and the best entry of 2008 also will receive a free copy of Getting Off: A Woman's Guide to Masturbation, by Jamye Waxman. (No, you don't have to be a woman to enter the contest.)

And then what? All entries may be posted on this blog and/or used in a follow-up book or article, at my discretion, without your name (I promise!) or any identifying info that could cause you embarrassment. I'll ask you for a code name to use if I decide to post your tip. Entries may be edited.

I don't know how many entries this contest will attract, so I'll give awards as the best ones strike my fancy, rather than by a certain deadline. This could be an ongoing contest.

Enter soon and enter often!

Tango in Portland

2008-10-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Camille Cusumano, author of Tango: An Argentine Love Story is in Portland this week attending the Portland Tango Festival. Yesterday she appeared on AM Northwest to teach the host, Dave, how to dance tango and also to talk about her book. Check out the video here.

Who Does She Think She Is? --- premiering tomorrow in NYC

2008-10-16T08:54:00.001-07:00

This is a post for our New York readers and supporters.

Who Does She Think She Is? features five fierce women, all artists, who refuse to choose between motherhood and career. The film premiers tomorrow, Friday, October 17th, at Angelika Film Center in New York City---and it's coming to San Francisco later in the fall so stay tuned for updates on the west coast!

Courtney Martin will be moderating post-show talk backs at both the 5pm and 7pm showings, which will include an artist from the film and the filmmaker, Pamela Tanner Boll.

Let us know what you think if you catch the show!